Heat in the Streets

Mapping the lived experience of heat stress of climate-exposed workers towards developing a thriving and resilient City

This project investigated the experience of high heat and heat stress by two groups of outdoor workers in the City of Sydney area: bicycle courier riders (food and document delivery), and municipal park maintenance workers.  The project examined how these workers were affected by and managed high heat at work. 

The team developed an interactive online platform to report data involving the workers, exploring the feasibility for a reporting app that could be used in citizen science and labour organising projects. The project team focussed on the differing experiences of permanent secure workers and those in contracting ‘gig’ roles. The team also made a submission to the Inquiry into the Victorian On-Demand Workforce.

Chief investigators:
Professor James Goodman
Dr Elizabeth Humphrys
Freya Newman
Dr Nimish Biloria
Pejman Pakdel
Professor Leena Thomas

Funding body: The City of Sydney, Council Innovation Grant

Project website: https://toohottowork.org/

Featured publication(s)

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.